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Hanna S, El-Ayadi M, Abdelazeim F. Identifying fine motor difficulties in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a scoping review. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:488. [PMID: 38967684 PMCID: PMC11226483 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Survival rates for children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have increased significantly over recent decades, and thus attention shifted toward understanding the adverse effects of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy has side effects that could affect muscle state and diminish motor performance. This scoping review was conducted to map the breadth of evidence for different tools used in fine motor skills assessment, the extent of upper extremity strength, and fine motor performance, highlighting the potential risk factors that may influence these skills. METHODS In March 2023, full-text studies that examined fine motor performance and/or upper extremity strength were identified via searches in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases. The titles and abstracts of selected studies were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS The search yielded initial 418 citations and 26 peer-reviewed articles were finally included in the review. Considerable heterogeneity was observed regarding the methods of evaluating fine motor skills. The results of this review indicate that children and adolescents with ALL experienced fine motor limitations and upper extremity weakness either during or after cessation of treatment. CONCLUSION This scoping review presents a broad overview of the literature addressing fine motor difficulties in the pediatric population with ALL. Results accentuate the need to incorporate strengthening and occupational therapy training to preserve muscle strength and minimize future fine motor problems along the course of chemotherapeutic treatment. Little evidence was reported regarding the risk factors that may impair muscle strength and motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Hanna
- Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Moatasem El-Ayadi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten Abdelazeim
- Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, October 6th University, Giza, Egypt
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Trapani JA, Murdaugh DL. Processing efficiency in pediatric cancer survivors: A review and operationalization for outcomes research and clinical utility. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2809. [PMID: 36330565 PMCID: PMC9759139 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood cancer and cancer-related treatments disrupt brain development and maturation, placing survivors at risk for cognitive late effects. Given that assessment tools vary widely across researchers and clinicians, it has been daunting to identify distinct patterns in outcomes across diverse cancer types and to implement systematic neurocognitive screening tools. This review aims to operationalize processing efficiency skill impairment-or inefficient neural processing as measured by working memory and processing speed abilities-as a worthwhile avenue for continued study within the context of childhood cancer. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on cognitive late effects and biopsychosocial risk factors in order to conceptualize processing efficiency skill trends in childhood cancer survivors. RESULTS While a frequently reported pattern of neurobiological (white matter) and cognitive (working memory and processing speed) disruption is consistent with processing efficiency skill impairment, these weaknesses have not yet been fully operationalized in this population. We offer a theoretical model that highlights the impacts of a host of biological and environmental factors on the underlying neurobiological substrates of cancer survivors that precede and may even predict long-term cognitive outcomes and functional abilities following treatment. CONCLUSION The unified construct of processing efficiency may be useful in assessing and communicating neurocognitive skills in both outcomes research and clinical practice. Deficits in processing efficiency may serve as a possible indicator of cognitive late effects and functional outcomes due to the unique relationship between processing efficiency skills and neurobiological disruption following cancer treatment. Continued research along these lines is crucial for advancing childhood cancer outcomes research and improving quality of life for survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Trapani
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Donna L Murdaugh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Brito-Suárez JM, Camacho-Juárez F, Sánchez-Medina CM, Hernández-Pliego G, Gutiérrez-Camacho C. Gross motor disorders in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and survivors: A systematic review. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 39:658-671. [PMID: 35275798 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2022.2045409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and toxicities related to treatment are common. One of these adverse effects is related to the musculoskeletal system and especially to gross motor skills that allow body movements: walking, running, jumping, and balance. This systematic review aims to describe gross motor impairments in pediatric patients with ALL during and after chemotherapeutic treatment and to identify the most commonly used tools for their assessment. Multiple electronic databases were searched for observational studies describing gross motor skills in children with ALL and the assessment tool used. The STROBE checklist was used to assess the reporting quality of each study. Ten studies were included in this review with assessments of gross motor skills in children with ALL undergoing treatment and survivors. Evidence suggests impairments in the performance of daily life activities during intensification and maintenance and persists up to 5 to 6 years after treatment´s cessation. Balance problems are noted at the start of treatment when the cumulative dose of vincristine is low and, in the survivors, it was the most reported alteration. These skills are essential for an adequate performance of children in daily life activities, recreation and leisure. We emphasize the need to assess gross motor skills and implement interventions that include physiotherapy and occupational rehabilitation in children with ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Marie Brito-Suárez
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Licenciatura en Fisioterapia. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México
| | - Fernanda Camacho-Juárez
- Programa de Licenciatura de Médico Cirujano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México
| | | | | | - Claudia Gutiérrez-Camacho
- Unidad de Investigación en Fisioterapia, Licenciatura en Fisioterapia. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México
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Lee JM, Kim JB, Byun DH, Son SM. Disruption of the Corticospinal Tract in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Series. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081223. [PMID: 36010113 PMCID: PMC9406371 DOI: 10.3390/children9081223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Three patients who exhibited hemiplegic symptoms on conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), during maintenance treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, are reported. All patients exhibited unilateral motor weakness and poor hand function during chemotherapy. Conventional MRI revealed no definite abnormal lesions. However, in diffusion tensor tractography, the affected corticospinal tract on the contralateral side, consistently with clinical dysfunction, revealed disrupted integrity, decreased fractional anisotropy, and increased apparent diffusion coefficient compared to the results of the unaffected side or control participants. Control participants matched for age, sex, and duration from leukemia diagnosis, who underwent chemotherapy but had no motor impairments, exhibited preserved integrity of both corticospinal tracts. Diffusion tensor tractography can help evaluate patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neurological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Min Lee
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Korea
| | - Jong Bum Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Byun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Korea
| | - Su Min Son
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Söntgerath R, Däggelmann J, Kesting SV, Rueegg CS, Wittke TC, Reich S, Eckert KG, Stoessel S, Chamorro-Viña C, Wiskemann J, Wright P, Senn-Malashonak A, Oschwald V, Till AM, Götte M. Physical and functional performance assessment in pediatric oncology: a systematic review. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:743-756. [PMID: 33859367 PMCID: PMC9064803 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01523-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates reduced physical performance from diagnosis into survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. However, there is no systematic information or guideline available on the methods to assess physical performance and function in this population. The purpose was to systematically compile and describe assessments of physical performance and function in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait and motor performance test batteries. METHODS We searched the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database and performed abstract and full-text selection of 2619 articles according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. Information on patients characteristics, assessments, information on validity and reliability, and relevant references was extracted. RESULTS In summary, 63 different assessments were found in 149 studies including 11639 participants. Most studies evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength with the majority conducted off treatment. Some outcomes (e.g. speed) and diagnoses (e.g. neuroblastoma) were severely underrepresented. With the exception of gait, leukemia patients represented the largest group of individuals tested. CONCLUSIONS Insufficient data and patient heterogeneity complicate uniform recommendations for assessments. Our results support researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate assessment to meet their specific research questions or individual daily practice needs. IMPACT This systematic review includes 149 studies and provides a comprehensive summary of 63 assessments to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait or motor performance test batteries in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer. We present the most studied fields within the pediatric cancer population, which are cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, off treatment phase, and leukemia patients. We propose research priorities by identification of subgroups in terms of cancer type, phase of treatment, and outcome of interest that are underrepresented in studies currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Söntgerath
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Däggelmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabine V Kesting
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Corina S Rueegg
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Simon Reich
- Working Group Exercise Oncology Division of Medical Oncology, University Clinic Heidelberg and National Centre for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina G Eckert
- Department of Health Management & Public Health, IST University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sandra Stoessel
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Childhood Cancer Center, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Wiskemann
- Working Group Exercise Oncology Division of Medical Oncology, University Clinic Heidelberg and National Centre for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Wright
- Department of Sport, Health Sciences and Social Work, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Senn-Malashonak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Hemostaseology, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Vanessa Oschwald
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Till
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Miriam Götte
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Essen, Pediatrics III, Essen, Germany.
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An evaluation of participation restrictions and associated factors via the ICF-CY framework in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving maintenance chemotherapy. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:1081-1088. [PMID: 33063136 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03833-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to determine impairments in physical functions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health version for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) framework in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving treatment. Physical functions were assessed in terms of pain level, fatigue level, handgrip strength, and motor proficiency. Fine motor activities and lower extremity performance were assessed to determine activity limitations. Participation was assessed with a patient-reported questionnaire. Thirty children with ALL (mean age: 8.45 ± 3.33 years) were included. Pain and fatigue level were mild. Poor handgrip strength was found; their mean handgrip strength was 60% of the normative. Fifty-six percent of the children had below-average motor performance. Participation scores were considerably high, except for sport and physical functioning sub-score. Participation level was positively associated with bilateral coordination and duration after diagnosis, while negatively correlated with pain and fatigue level (p ˂ 0.05).Conclusion: The ICF-CY-based evaluation was useful to understand children's limitations in everyday life. Children with ALL need supportive interventions during treatments in terms of physical functioning and participation in activities. Children with ALL with higher pain and fatigue, poor bilateral coordination, and who were in earlier period after diagnosis had higher risk for participation restriction. What is Known: • Children with ALL had physical functioning limitations on treatments. • Participation restrictions were described in children with ALL off treatment. What is New: • The ICY-CY-based health and functioning evaluation allows health care professionals to globally determine limitations of everyday life in children with ALL on treatment. • Impairments in physical functions, pain severity, fatigue severity, and duration after diagnosis are associated with participation to everyday life in children with ALL on treatment.
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Yildiz Kabak V, Ekinci Y, Atasavun Uysal S, Cetin M, Duger T. Motor and Basic Cognitive Functions in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:1091-1106. [PMID: 33730934 DOI: 10.1177/00315125211002065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Children with acute leukemia (ALL) often suffer from several disease and treatment related side-effects during treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine the gross and fine motor functioning and basic cognitive performance of children (n = 25) with ALL who were undergoing induction or consolidation chemotherapy and to compare these characteristics to a normative group (n = 21) of age-matched typically developing children. We assessed the children's motor functions with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition-Short Form and the Nine-hole Peg Test, and we used the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) to evaluate their cognitive performance. Compared to the normative group, children with ALL had lower scores on total motor proficiency and sub-tests scores of motor functions (p < .05), and on the Nine-hole Peg Test performance (p < .05); but their cognitive performance on the MMSE was not significantly different. Children with ALL would likely benefit from structured exercise and rehabilitative interventions during chemotherapy to prevent and/or ameliorate ALL-related motor dysfunction. We also suggest that their cognitive functioning should be further investigated with more extensive well-validated neurocognitive tests for children (e.g., the Wechsler intelligence scales).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesile Yildiz Kabak
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasin Ekinci
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Songul Atasavun Uysal
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mualla Cetin
- Department of Child Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tulin Duger
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Cohen IJ. Folinic acid over rescue of high dose methotrexate: How problematic citations conserve discredited concepts. Med Hypotheses 2021; 146:110467. [PMID: 33401105 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outdated axiom that the dose of Folinic acid (FA) rescue used after high dose Methotrexate (HDMTX) should be kept to a minimum in order to prevent a reduction of prognosis ("over rescue") continues to be expressed even though the concept has been seriously challenged. Study aim The ways "problematic citations" are used to support an old theory, such as this, was examined. RESULTS Ten patterns of "problematic citation" use were identified. In 8 of these patterns the articles used were scientifically sound and the problem was with the articles citing them. However in 2 other pattens, the articles and their conclusions were flawed and citing them, apparently, resulted from accepting the presented data or conclusions as sound and valid. The patterns were 1. Claims based on data that are not present in the cited article. 2. Selective inclusion of data from cited articles. 3. Citation of misleading data presented only in the abstract. 4. Reporting trends as statistically significant. 5. Copying the citations used by others without checking the article. 6. Acceptance of illusionary truth in spite of knowledge to the contrary. 7. Citation of reports not relevant to the population under discussion 8. Presenting opinions as facts without any citation. 9. Selective presentation of data sets that support the thesis while ignoring the data sets that show the opposite results. 10. Use of a title expressing what the authors intended to show but not what was found. IMPLICATIONS The containing acceptance of this old insupportable conjecture, in part, because of "problematic citations" has resulted in unnecessary neurocognitive damage to patients and may have resulted in the misconception that it is the outcome of HDMTX that may have lead to its abandonment in favour of more toxic therapies. Realisation that this is a significant problem in data analysis should lead authors and reviewers to be even more carefully in checking all references. The importance of high-quality reviews is clearly evident. The effect of "Canonization of false facts" is a serious impairment to the acceptance of new hypotheses that better express reality and could lead to improved treatment results. Authors are advised only to cite articles they have read in entirety not relying on the title, abstract or previous use and to check the content of citations before submission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Cohen
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Israel, The Rina Zaizov Hematology-Oncology Division Schneider Children's Medical Centre of Israel, 139 Shir Hashirim St. Elkanah, 44814 Petah Tikvah, Israel.
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